Bulls' backups make most of chance

Rookies and reserves often use exhibition games a little like a teenager practicing for a driving test. In their first experience in back-to-back games, the young Bulls drove without Mom or Dad in the car Saturday night before a crowd of 21,328 at the United Center in a 100-88 victory against the Pacers.

With three of the Bulls' five probable starters — Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Joe Smith — reduced to spectator status, they sometimes had trouble figuring out when and how much to accelerate or change lanes.

They were good enough to pass against a similarly star-reduced Pacers lineup.

"That was the key to everything," Skiles said. "Noce came out and was knocking down shots."

Last season Nocioni missed 28 games with right plantar fasciitis.

"This game is good for my confidence," the 27-year-old said. "I feel great, like a 20-year-old."

Skiles has been slow to throw out compliments to Aaron Gray, who started.

"I wanted to make a change," Skiles said. "Aaron from the first day of training camp, of the group of young kids, has learned what we're trying to do better than the rest. He has learned the offense better than the rest, he knows his defensive positions better than the rest. He deserves an opportunity."

Gray played a total of 15 minutes 3 seconds, picking up his sixth foul and heading to the bench in the fourth quarter with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting and eight rebounds.

The game did not finish without the Bulls adding a few more nagging injuries.

After a 23-turnover performance in Toronto, the Bulls committed 31 against the Pacers. Luckily for the Bulls, the Pacers committed 30 of their own.

"I don't think a game with 61 turnovers helps anyone," Skiles said.

LayupsThe Bulls also were without Adrian Griffin, who had a sore lower back. ... Smith's knee injury kept him out, but Skiles said he had hoped to play the 12-year veteran. "He didn't feel like he could go," Skiles said. "I intended on trying to get him some work, but I think he wants to be extra cautious right now." Smith logged 17 minutes 10 seconds Friday for seven points and three rebounds. .